Sr. Research Specialist

Specific Duties & Responsibilities:

• Participate in laboratory research and perform experiments independently.
• Design and perform laboratory experiments for specific islet research projects with limited guidance by the principal investigator.
• Perform metabolic studies on mouse genetic models.
• Have experience with a wide range of cell and molecular biology techniques, particularly RNA isolation and gene expression analysis using Q-PCR, Western blotting, immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence, and cell culture.
Design and maintain spreadsheets and databases for tracking and management of research data. Perform statistical analyses on research data.
• Data entry and management using database and other computer software.
Perform literature searches for presentations and publications. Maintain and document detailed working protocols for the lab. Ensure accuracy and timeliness of data collection.

In addition, the candidate will:

• Organize, analyze and summarize the research data to prepare laboratory and scientific meeting reports on islet and diabetes research.
• Present data at meetings (both internal and external to the institution).
• Write/draft scientific manuscripts for publications.
• Participate as a member of collaborative team in study design and development of islet function and health research.
• Help train and supervise junior postdoctoral fellows and students with the above skills and expertise.
• Suggest ideas for new research projects.
• Conduct training sessions for junior personnel and students on the program.
Train research staff on job functions and performs quality assurance reviews for the scientific data.

Interact regularly with members of the research team regarding the status and progress of ongoing studies.
• Meet regularly with the PI to discuss study progress. Attends all mandatory research team meetings.
• Prepare reports as required by the principal investigators and senior scientists on the program.
• Highly experienced and knowledgeable and complies with all standard laboratory research protocols, regulations, and policies; may instruct introductory level research personnel in these guidelines and policies.
• Other research-related duties as directed by the PI.
• May be required to work limited hours on weekends for specific timed experiments.

Minimum Qualifications (Mandatory):

A doctoral (Ph.D) degree in biomedical science with working experience is strongly preferred.

A master’s degree in a biological science (e.g. Biology, Molecular Biology, Molecular Bioengineering or Genetics), and a minimum of two years of experience and expertise directly and specifically in biomedical research as evidenced by scientific publications (metabolic or diabetes research strongly preferred).

At a minimum, a candidate should hold a bachelor’s degree in biology, chemistry, or other science field, and at least four years of experience and expertise directly and specifically in biomedical research as evidenced by scientific publications (metabolic or diabetes research strongly preferred).